Internationally renowned Bangladeshi artist Shahabuddin Ahmed has put Bangladesh on the global art map by his distinctive works, said discussants at a programme held on Tuesday at National Theatre Hall of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy.

The programme featured a discussion on the artist’s contributions and achievements, screening of a documentary and a cultural show. Besides, portraits of the artist done by 11 artists and photographs of the artist captured by renowned photographers were also displayed at the venue.

Different cultural and fine arts organisations also congratulated Shahabuddin Ahmed at the programme.

Speaker of the Jatiya Sangsad Shirin Sharmin Chowdhury was present as the chief guest, while Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy director general Liaquat Ali Lucky and professor Abdul Mannan were present as guests at the programme, which was presided over by national professor Anisuzzaman.

The speakers congratulated artist Shahabuddin Ahmed and spoke on his contributions and achievements.

‘Shahabuddin Ahmed has put the name of Bangladesh on global art map by his works. Shahabuddin, a valiant freedom fighter and a patriot, has always depicted liberation war, people and landscape of Bangladesh in his works’, said Shirin Sharmin Chowdhury.

‘Shahabuddin’s paintings, showing speed, motion and life, celebrates vigour and indomitable spirit of the people of this land’, said national professor Anisuzzaman.

Among others, political advisor to the prime minister HT Imam and art-critic Mainuddin Khaled spoke at the programme.

Artist Shahabuddin Ahmed thanked all for showering him with love and wishes. ‘The love you all have given me is the greatest gift of all. Thank you for your kind words. Your words and love inspire me’, said the artist.

Born on September 11 in 1950, Shahabuddin Ahmed studied at Dhaka Art College (now faculty of fine arts of Dhaka University) before obtaining a scholarship to study at the École nationale supérieure des Beaux-Arts in Paris.

He earned admiration and acclaim in the global art scene for his distinctive style depicting figures in motion.

Bangladesh government has honoured the artist by awarding Independence Day award in 2000. He was awarded the Chevalier De L'ordre Des Arts Et Des Lettres (Knight in the Order of Fine Arts and Humanities) by the ministry of culture and communication of France in 2014.